Table of Parts Subpart A—AM Broadcast Stations
§ 73.1 Scope.
§ 73.14 AM broadcast definitions.
§ 73.21 Classes of AM broadcast channels and stations.
§ 73.23 AM broadcast station applications affected by international
agreements.
§ 73.24 Broadcast facilities; showing required.
§ 73.25 Clear channels; Class A, Class B and Class D stations.
§ 73.26 Regional channels; Class B and Class D stations.
§ 73.27 Local channels; Class C stations.
§ 73.28 Assignment of stations to channels.
§ 73.29 Class C stations on regional channels.
§ 73.30 Petition for authorization of an allotment in the 1605-1705 kHz
band.
§ 73.31 Rounding of nominal power specified on applications.
§ 73.33 Antenna systems; showing required.
§ 73.35 Calculation of improvement factors.
§ 73.37 Applications for broadcast facilities, showing required.
§ 73.44 AM transmission system emission limitations.
§ 73.45 AM antenna systems.
§ 73.49 AM transmission system fencing requirements.
§ 73.51 Determining operating power.
§ 73.53 Requirements for authorization of antenna monitors.
§ 73.54 Antenna resistance and reactance measurements.
§ 73.57 Remote reading antenna and common point ammeters.
§ 73.58 Indicating instruments.
§ 73.61 AM directional antenna field strength measurements.
§ 73.62 Directional antenna system operation and tolerances.
§ 73.68 Sampling systems for antenna monitors.
§ 73.69 Antenna monitors.
§ 73.72 Operating during the experimental period.
§ 73.88 Blanketing interference.
§ 73.99 Presunrise service authorization (PSRA) and postsunset service
authorization (PSSA).
§ 73.127 Use of multiplex transmission.
§ 73.128 AM stereophonic broadcasting.
§ 73.132 Territorial exclusivity.
§ 73.150 Directional antenna systems.
§ 73.151 Field strength measurements to establish performance of
directional antennas.
§ 73.152 Modification of directional antenna data.
§ 73.153 Field strength measurements in support of applications or evidence
at hearings.
§ 73.154 AM directional antenna partial proof of performance measurements.
§ 73.155 Periodic directional antenna performance recertification.
§ 73.157 Antenna testing during daytime.
§ 73.158 Directional antenna monitoring points.
§ 73.160 Vertical plane radiation characteristics, f(θ).
§ 73.182 Engineering standards of allocation.
§ 73.183 Groundwave signals.
§ 73.184 Groundwave field strength graphs.
§ 73.185 Computation of interfering signal.
§ 73.186 Establishment of effective field at one kilometer.
§ 73.187 Limitation on daytime radiation.
§ 73.189 Minimum antenna heights or field strength requirements.
§ 73.190 Engineering charts and related formulas.
Subpart B—FM Broadcast Stations
§ 73.201 Numerical designation of FM broadcast channels.
§ 73.202 Table of Allotments.
§ 73.203 Availability of channels.
§ 73.204 International agreements and other restrictions on use of
channels.
§ 73.205 Zones.
§ 73.207 Minimum distance separation between stations.
§ 73.208 Reference points and distance computations.
§ 73.209 Protection from interference.
§ 73.210 Station classes.
§ 73.211 Power and antenna height requirements.
§ 73.212 Administrative changes in authorizations.
§ 73.213 Grandfathered short-spaced stations.
§ 73.215 Contour protection for short-spaced assignments.
§ 73.220 Restrictions on use of channels.
§ 73.232 Territorial exclusivity.
§ 73.239 Use of common antenna site.
§ 73.258 Indicating instruments.
§ 73.267 Determining operating power.
§ 73.277 Permissible transmissions.
§ 73.293 Use of FM multiplex subcarriers.
§ 73.295 FM subsidiary communications services.
§ 73.297 FM stereophonic sound broadcasting.
§ 73.310 FM technical definitions.
§ 73.311 Field strength contours.
§ 73.312 Topographic data.
§ 73.313 Prediction of coverage.
§ 73.314 Field strength measurements.
§ 73.315 FM transmitter location.
§ 73.316 FM antenna systems.
§ 73.317 FM transmission system requirements.
§ 73.318 FM blanketing interference.
§ 73.319 FM multiplex subcarrier technical standards.
§ 73.322 FM stereophonic sound transmission standards.
§ 73.333 Engineering charts.
Subpart C—Digital Audio Broadcasting
§ 73.401 Scope.
§ 73.402 Definitions.
§ 73.403 Digital audio broadcasting service requirements.
§ 73.404 Interim hybrid IBOC DAB operation.
Subpart D—Noncommercial Educational FM Broadcast Stations
§ 73.501 Channels available for assignment.
§ 73.503 Licensing requirements and service.
§ 73.504 Channel assignments in the Mexican border area.
§ 73.505 Zones.
§ 73.506 Classes of noncommercial educational FM stations and channels.
§ 73.507 Minimum distance separations between stations.
§ 73.508 Standards of good engineering practice.
§ 73.509 Prohibited overlap.
§ 73.510 Antenna systems.
§ 73.511 Power and antenna height requirements.
§ 73.512 Special procedures applicable to Class D noncommercial educational
stations.
§ 73.513 Noncommercial educational FM stations operating on unreserved
channels.
§ 73.514 Protection from interference.
§ 73.515 NCE FM transmitter location.
§ 73.525 TV Channel 6 protection.
§ 73.558 Indicating instruments.
§ 73.561 Operating schedule; time sharing.
§ 73.567 Determining operating power.
§ 73.593 Subsidiary communications services.
§ 73.597 FM stereophonic sound broadcasting.
§ 73.599 NCE-FM engineering charts.
Subpart E—Television Broadcast Stations
§ 73.601 Scope of subpart.
§ 73.602 Cross reference to rules in other parts.
§ 73.603 Numerical designation of television channels.
§ 73.606 Table of allotments.
§ 73.607 Availability of channels.
§ 73.609 Zones.
§ 73.610 Minimum distance separations between stations.
§ 73.611 Reference points and distance computations.
§ 73.612 Protection from interference.
§ 73.613 Protection of Class A TV stations.
§ 73.614 Power and antenna height requirements.
§ 73.615 Administrative changes in authorizations.
§ 73.616 Post-transition DTV station interference protection.
§ 73.621 Noncommercial educational TV stations.
§ 73.622 Digital television table of allotments.
§ 73.623 DTV applications and changes to DTV allotments.
§ 73.624 Digital television broadcast stations.
§ 73.625 DTV coverage of principal community and antenna system.
§ 73.626 DTV distributed transmission systems.
§ 73.635 Use of common antenna site.
§ 73.641 Subscription TV definitions.
§ 73.642 Subscription TV service.
§ 73.643 Subscription TV operating requirements.
§ 73.644 Subscription TV transmission systems.
§ 73.646 Telecommunications Service on the Vertical Blanking Interval and
in the Visual Signal.
§ 73.653 Operation of TV aural and visual transmitters.
§ 73.658 Affiliation agreements and network program practices; territorial
exclusivity in non-network program arrangements.
§ § 73.659-73.663 [Reserved]
§ 73.664 Determining operating power.
§ 73.665 Use of TV aural baseband subcarriers.
§ 73.667 TV subsidiary communications services.
§ 73.669 TV stereophonic aural and multiplex subcarrier operation.
§ 73.670 Commercial limits in children's programs.
§ 73.671 Educational and informational programming for children.
§ 73.672 [Reserved]
§ 73.673 Public information initiatives regarding educational and
informational programming for children.
§ 73.674 Digital television transition notices by broadcasters.
§ 73.681 Definitions.
§ 73.682 TV transmission standards.
§ 73.683 Field strength contours and presumptive determination of field
strength at individual locations.
§ 73.684 Prediction of coverage.
§ 73.685 Transmitter location and antenna system.
§ 73.686 Field strength measurements.
§ 73.687 Transmission system requirements.
§ 73.688 Indicating instruments.
§ 73.691 Visual modulation monitoring.
§ 73.698 Tables.
§ 73.699 TV engineering charts.
Subpart F—International Broadcast Stations
§ 73.701 Definitions.
§ 73.702 Assignment and use of frequencies.
§ 73.703 Geographical zones and areas of reception.
§ 73.712 Equipment tests.
§ 73.713 Program tests.
§ 73.731 Licensing requirements.
§ 73.732 Authorizations.
§ 73.733 Normal license period.
§ 73.751 Operating power.
§ 73.753 Antenna systems.
§ 73.754 Frequency monitors.
§ 73.755 Modulation monitors.
§ 73.756 System specifications for double-sideband (DBS) modulated
emissions in the HF broadcasting service.
§ 73.757 System specifications for single-sideband (SSB) modulated
emissions in the HF broadcasting service.
§ 73.758 System specifications for digitally modulated emissions in the HF
broadcasting service.
§ 73.759 Auxiliary transmitters.
§ 73.760 Alternate main transmitters.
§ 73.761 Modification of transmission systems.
§ 73.762 Time of operation.
§ 73.765 Determining operating power.
§ 73.766 [Reserved]
§ 73.781 Logs.
§ 73.782 Retention of logs.
§ 73.787 Station identification.
§ 73.788 Service; commercial or sponsored programs.
Subpart G—Low Power FM Broadcast Stations (LPFM)
§ 73.801 Broadcast regulations applicable to LPFM stations.
§ 73.805 Availability of channels.
§ 73.807 Minimum distance separation between stations.
§ 73.808 Distance computations.
§ 73.809 Interference protection to full service FM stations.
§ 73.810 Third adjacent channel interference.
§ 73.811 LPFM power and antenna height requirements.
§ 73.812 Rounding of power and antenna heights.
§ 73.813 Determination of antenna height above average terrain (HAAT).
§ 73.816 Antennas.
§ 73.825 Protection to reception of TV channel 6.
§ 73.827 Interference to the input signals of FM translator or FM booster
stations.
§ 73.840 Operating power and mode tolerances.
§ 73.845 Transmission system operation.
§ 73.850 Operating schedule.
§ 73.853 Licensing requirements and service.
§ 73.854 Unlicensed operations.
§ 73.855 Ownership limits.
§ 73.858 Attribution of LPFM station interests.
§ 73.860 Cross-ownership.
§ 73.865 Assignment and transfer of LPFM licenses.
§ 73.870 Processing of LPFM broadcast station applications.
§ 73.871 Amendment of LPFM broadcast station applications.
§ 73.872 Selection procedure for mutually exclusive LPFM applications.
§ 73.873 LPFM license period.
§ 73.875 Modification of transmission systems.
§ 73.877 Station logs for LPFM stations.
§ 73.878 Station inspections by FCC; availability to FCC of station logs
and records.
§ 73.879 Signal retransmission.
§ 73.881 Equal employment opportunities.
Subpart H—Rules Applicable to All Broadcast Stations
§ 73.1001 Scope.
§ 73.1010 Cross reference to rules in other parts.
§ 73.1015 Truthful written statements and responses to Commission inquiries
and correspondence.
§ 73.1020 Station license period.
§ 73.1030 Notifications concerning interference to radio astronomy,
research and receiving installations.
§ 73.1120 Station location.
§ 73.1125 Station main studio location.
§ 73.1150 Transferring a station.
§ 73.1201 Station identification.
§ 73.1202 Retention of letters received from the public.
§ 73.1206 Broadcast of telephone conversations.
§ 73.1207 Rebroadcasts.
§ 73.1208 Broadcast of taped, filmed, or recorded material.
§ 73.1209 References to time.
§ 73.1210 TV/FM dual-language broadcasting in Puerto Rico.
§ 73.1211 Broadcast of lottery information.
§ 73.1212 Sponsorship identification; list retention; related requirements.
§ 73.1213 Antenna structure, marking and lighting.
§ 73.1215 Specifications for indicating instruments.
§ 73.1216 Licensee-conducted contests.
§ 73.1217 Broadcast hoaxes.
§ 73.1225 Station inspections by FCC.
§ 73.1226 Availability to FCC of station logs and records.
§ 73.1230 Posting of station license.
§ 73.1250 Broadcasting emergency information.
§ 73.1300 Unattended station operation.
§ 73.1350 Transmission system operation.
§ 73.1400 Transmission system monitoring and control.
§ 73.1515 Special field test authorizations.
§ 73.1520 Operation for tests and maintenance.
§ 73.1530 Portable test stations [Definition].
§ 73.1540 Carrier frequency measurements.
§ 73.1545 Carrier frequency departure tolerances.
§ 73.1560 Operating power and mode tolerances.
§ 73.1570 Modulation levels: AM, FM, TV and Class A TV aural.
§ 73.1580 Transmission system inspections.
§ 73.1590 Equipment performance measurements.
§ 73.1610 Equipment tests.
§ 73.1615 Operation during modification of facilities.
§ 73.1620 Program tests.
§ 73.1635 Special temporary authorizations (STA).
§ 73.1650 International agreements.
§ 73.1660 Acceptability of broadcast transmitters.
§ 73.1665 Main transmitters.
§ 73.1670 Auxiliary transmitters.
§ 73.1675 Auxiliary antennas.
§ 73.1680 Emergency antennas.
§ 73.1690 Modification of transmission systems.
§ 73.1692 [Reserved]
§ 73.1695 Changes in transmission standards.
§ 73.1700 Broadcast day.
§ 73.1705 Time of operation.
§ 73.1710 Unlimited time.
§ 73.1715 Share time.
§ 73.1720 Daytime.
§ 73.1725 Limited time.
§ 73.1730 Specified hours.
§ 73.1735 AM station operation pre-sunrise and post-sunset.
§ 73.1740 Minimum operating schedule.
§ 73.1745 Unauthorized operation.
§ 73.1750 Discontinuance of operation.
§ 73.1800 General requirements related to the station log.
§ 73.1820 Station log.
§ 73.1835 Special technical records.
§ 73.1840 Retention of logs.
§ 73.1870 Chief operators.
§ 73.1940 Legally qualified candidates for public office.
§ 73.1941 Equal opportunities.
§ 73.1942 Candidate rates.
§ 73.1943 Political file.
§ 73.1944 Reasonable access.
§ 73.2080 Equal employment opportunities (EEO).
§ 73.2090 Ban on discrimination in broadcast transactions.
§ 73.3500 Application and report forms.
§ 73.3511 Applications required.
§ 73.3512 Where to file; number of copies.
§ 73.3513 Signing of applications.
§ 73.3514 Content of applications.
§ 73.3516 Specification of facilities.
§ 73.3517 Contingent applications.
§ 73.3518 Inconsistent or conflicting applications.
§ 73.3519 Repetitious applications.
§ 73.3520 Multiple applications.
§ 73.3521 Mutually exclusive applications for low power television,
television translators and television booster stations.
§ 73.3522 Amendment of applications.
§ 73.3523 Dismissal of applications in renewal proceedings.
§ 73.3525 Agreements for removing application conflicts.
§ 73.3526 Local public inspection file of commercial stations.
§ 73.3527 Local public inspection file of noncommercial educational
stations.
§ 73.3533 Application for construction permit or modification of
construction permit.
§ 73.3534 [Reserved]
§ 73.3536 Application for license to cover construction permit.
§ 73.3537 Application for license to use former main antenna as an
auxiliary.
§ 73.3538 Application to make changes in an existing station.
§ 73.3539 Application for renewal of license.
§ 73.3540 Application for voluntary assignment or transfer of control.
§ 73.3541 Application for involuntary assignment of license or transfer of
control.
§ 73.3542 Application for emergency authorization.
§ 73.3543 Application for renewal or modification of special service
authorization.
§ 73.3544 Application to obtain a modified station license.
§ 73.3545 Application for permit to deliver programs to foreign stations.
§ 73.3549 Requests for extension of time to operate without required
monitors, indicating instruments, and EAS encoders and decoders.
§ 73.3550 Requests for new or modified call sign assignments.
§ 73.3555 Multiple ownership.
§ 73.3556 Duplication of programming on commonly owned or time brokered
stations.
§ 73.3561 Staff consideration of applications requiring Commission action.
§ 73.3562 Staff consideration of applications not requiring action by the
Commission.
§ 73.3564 Acceptance of applications.
§ 73.3566 Defective applications.
§ 73.3568 Dismissal of applications.
§ 73.3571 Processing of AM broadcast station applications.
§ 73.3572 Processing of TV broadcast, Class A TV broadcast, low power TV,
TV translators, and TV booster applications.
§ 73.3573 Processing FM broadcast station applications.
§ 73.3574 Processing of international broadcast station applications.
§ 73.3578 Amendments to applications for renewal, assignment or transfer of
control.
§ 73.3580 Local public notice of filing of broadcast applications.
§ 73.3584 Procedure for filing petitions to deny.
§ 73.3587 Procedure for filing informal objections.
§ 73.3588 Dismissal of petitions to deny or withdrawal of informal
objections.
§ 73.3589 Threats to file petitions to deny or informal objections.
§ 73.3591 Grants without hearing.
§ 73.3592 Conditional grant.
§ 73.3593 Designation for hearing.
§ 73.3594 Local public notice of designation for hearing.
§ 73.3597 Procedures on transfer and assignment applications.
§ 73.3598 Period of construction.
§ 73.3601 Simultaneous modification and renewal of license.
§ 73.3603 Special waiver procedure relative to applications.
§ 73.3605 Retention of applications in hearing status after designation for
hearing.
§ 73.3612 Annual employment report.
§ 73.3613 Filing of contracts.
§ 73.3615 Ownership reports.
§ 73.3617 Information available on the Internet.
§ 73.3700 Post-incentive auction licensing and operation.
§ 73.3999 Enforcement of 18 U.S.C. 1464 (restrictions on the transmission
of obscene and indecent material).
§ 73.4000 Listing of FCC policies.
§ 73.4005 Advertising—refusal to sell.
§ 73.4015 Applications for AM and FM construction permits, incomplete or
defective.
§ 73.4017 Application processing: Commercial FM stations.
§ 73.4045 Barter agreements.
§ 73.4050 Children's TV programs.
§ 73.4055 Cigarette advertising.
§ 73.4060 Citizens agreements.
§ 73.4075 Commercials, loud.
§ 73.4082 Comparative broadcast hearings—specialized programming formats.
§ 73.4091 Direct broadcast satellites.
§ 73.4094 Dolby encoder.
§ 73.4095 Drug lyrics.
§ 73.4097 EBS (now EAS) attention signals on automated programing systems.
§ 73.4099 Financial qualifications, certification of.
§ 73.4100 Financial qualifications; new AM and FM stations.
§ 73.4101 Financial qualifications, TV stations.
§ 73.4102 FAA communications, broadcast of.
§ 73.4104 FM assignment policies and procedures.
§ 73.4107 FM broadcast assignments, increasing availability of.
§ 73.4108 FM transmitter site map submissions.
§ 73.4110 Format changes of stations.
§ 73.4135 Interference to TV reception by FM stations.
§ 73.4140 Minority ownership; tax certificates and distress sales.
§ 73.4154 Network/AM, FM station affiliation agreements.
§ 73.4157 Network signals which adversely affect affiliate broadcast
service.
§ 73.4163 Noncommercial nature of educational broadcast stations.
§ 73.4165 Obscene language.
§ 73.4170 Obscene broadcasts.
§ 73.4180 Payment disclosure: Payola, plugola, kickbacks.
§ 73.4185 Political broadcasting and telecasting, the law of.
§ 73.4190 Political candidate authorization notice and sponsorship
identification.
§ 73.4195 Political advertising by UHF translators.
§ 73.4210 Procedure Manual: “The Public and Broadcasting”.
§ 73.4215 Program matter: Supplier identification.
§ 73.4242 Sponsorship identification rules, applicability of.
§ 73.4246 Stereophonic pilot subcarrier use during monophonic programming.
§ 73.4247 STV: Competing applications.
§ 73.4250 Subliminal perception.
§ 73.4255 Tax certificates: Issuance of.
§ 73.4260 Teaser announcements.
§ 73.4265 Telephone conversation broadcasts (network and like sources).
§ 73.4266 Tender offer and proxy statements.
§ 73.4267 Time brokerage.
§ 73.4275 Tone clusters; audio attention-getting devices.
§ 73.4280 Character evaluation of broadcast applicants.
Subpart I—Procedures for Competitive Bidding and for Applications for
Noncommercial Educational Broadcast Stations on Non-Reserved Channels
§ 73.5000 Services subject to competitive bidding.
§ 73.5001 [Reserved]
§ 73.5002 Application and certification procedures; return of mutually
exclusive applications not subject to competitive bidding procedures;
prohibition of collusion.
§ 73.5003 Submission of full payments.
§ 73.5004 [Reserved]
§ 73.5005 Filing of long-form applications.
§ 73.5006 Filing of petitions to deny against long-form applications.
§ 73.5007 Designated entity provisions.
§ 73.5008 Definitions applicable for designated entity provisions.
§ 73.5009 Assignment or transfer of control.
Subpart J—Class A Television Broadcast Stations
§ 73.6000 Definitions.
§ 73.6001 Eligibility and service requirements.
§ 73.6002 Licensing requirements.
§ § 73.6003-73.6005 [Reserved]
§ 73.6006 Channel assignments.
§ 73.6007 Power limitations.
§ 73.6008 Distance computations.
§ 73.6010 Class A TV station protected contour.
§ 73.6011 Protection of TV broadcast stations.
§ 73.6012 Protection of Class A TV, low power TV and TV translator
stations.
§ 73.6013 Protection of DTV stations.
§ 73.6014 Protection of digital Class A TV stations.
§ 73.6016 Digital Class A TV station protection of TV broadcast stations.
§ 73.6017 Digital Class A TV station protection of Class A TV and digital
Class A TV stations.
§ 73.6018 Digital Class A TV station protection of DTV stations.
§ 73.6019 Digital Class A TV station protection of low power TV, TV
translator, digital low power TV and digital TV translator stations.
§ 73.6020 Protection of stations in the land mobile radio service.
§ 73.6022 Negotiated interference and relocation agreements.
§ 73.6023 Distributed transmission systems.
§ 73.6024 Transmission standards and system requirements.
§ 73.6025 Antenna system and station location.
§ 73.6026 Broadcast regulations applicable to Class A television stations.
§ 73.6027 Class A TV notifications concerning interference to radio
astronomy, research and receiving installations.
Subpart K—Application and Selection Procedures for Reserved Noncommercial
Educational Channels, and for Certain Applications for Noncommercial
Educational Stations on Non-Reserved Channels
§ 73.7000 Definition of terms (as used in subpart K only).
§ 73.7001 Services subject to evaluation by point system.
§ 73.7002 Fair distribution of service on reserved band FM channels.
§ 73.7003 Point system selection procedures.
§ 73.7004 Petitions to deny tentative selectee(s).
§ 73.7005 Holding period.
Subpart L—Incorporated Standards
§ 73.8000 Incorporation by reference.
Alphabetical Index—Part 73
_________________________________________________________________
Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 334, 336, and 339.
return arrow Back to Top
Subpart A—AM Broadcast Stations
return arrow Back to Top